How Honda Is Betting On Low Cost Hybrid Tech To Win In India
Honda is reassessing its global electrification strategy. As part of it, the carmaker has scrapped three electric vehicle prototypes that it had showcased previously- 0 Series SUV, 0 Series Saloon and the Acura RSX. Under the revised strategy, hybrids are set to take centre stage. The carmaker plans to introduce a range of hybrid models in India over the next few years. These will have both CBU (Completely Built Unit) imports as well as locally manufactured vehicles. The latter will have heavily localised hybrid powertrains. Combining competitive pricing with heavily localised strong hybrid technology is a formula that Honda intends to bank on to find success in the Indian market.
Honda had previously announced its intention to roll out 13 new hybrid models globally, starting from 2027. Many of these will be based on the newly-developed low-cost hybrid setup. This next-generation hybrid platform was originally set to enter production by 2027. With the company’s renewed focus on hybrids, the same could now be fast-tracked.
Honda says that the new platform uses a high-rigidity body structure and has a modular design. It allows multiple vehicle lengths and body styles to be based on the same architecture. This, in fact, improves manufacturing efficiency. Honda claims that the new platform will enable around 60 percent component commonality across future hybrid models. This will help in lowering development and production costs. And for the customer, this could possibly mean aggressive pricing.
Honda’s new hybrid platform is expected to be around 90 kg lighter than the current hybrid architecture. A lower weight will also improve fuel efficiency, performance, and vehicle dynamics. Honda says that the new platform will have improved stability and traction around corners. To improve its capabilities further, Honda will also add a new pitch control technology to it.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the new low-cost hybrid powertrain that’s being developed for use on India-bound models. Honda already sells a hybrid version of the City here, which has a clear price premium over the regular sedan.
The new hybrid tech will likely be used in the Elevate first. The powertrain in this case will be less complex and more efficient than the setup seen on the City hybrid (City e:HEV). The 1.5L petrol engine will be paired with two electric motors that have been downsized and are more energy-dense, and a lighter battery pack. Even the transmission setup will be optimised further. Another major highlight will be the increased localisation. The new powertrain will be heavily localised, unlike the one on the outgoing City e:HEV.
Together, these will bring down the manufacturing cost, allowing the carmaker to price the model competitively. The new setup is also expected to be more reliable and easier to maintain than that of the City hybrid. Interestingly, the new setup will eventually make its way to the hybrid City as well.
If the carmaker manages to pull this off as planned, we would see Honda’s hybrid numbers shoot up. Even today, the City e:HEV feels better put together and smoother than the likes of Toyota Hyryder. If the cost factor is re-calibrated without compromising on the experience, there would be hardly any reason for someone to not consider it.
In simple terms, the hybrid should try to stay as close to the petrol or diesel versions with its ex-showroom prices. If the customer doesn’t have to pay a large price premium just for the hybrid technology and the refinement and fuel savings it brings along, he/she would be more lured to make the purchase. A strong hybrid that stands close to regular petrol/diesel models with its price, makes for an attractive proposition.